UT Arlington Getting Off Basketball Stage

ARLINGTON (AP/CBSDFW) - The University of Texas at Arlington basketball teams are finally off 'the big stage' and into their new arena this week.

After more than 46 years of playing home games on the stage at Texas Hall,  the Mavericks are moving into the new 7,000-seat College Park Center. The men's and women's teams open the $78 million facility with a doubleheader Wednesday night against UT San Antonio.

MORE: The Changing Face Of UT Arlington

Texas Hall has been one of the most unique settings in college basketball since opening in 1965. Bleachers for about 600 fans behind the benches give it the feel of a small gym. But on the other side, where there is a drop of several feet between the court and the front row, there are some 2,700 theater seats.

MORE: Goodbye To UT Arlington's Big Stage

It's not curtains for the hall, which will continue to host events. Just not basketball.

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